Baybeats: Suicide Solution sold their soul for rock 'n' roll

In the 11 years that Singapore metal band Suicide Solution have been around, these four hairy dudes have released three albums, chiselled out some rather bone-crushing songs and earned a fair amount of global recognition. And yet 2009 has brought another first for the band, as they make their debut appearance at Baybeats at the end of this month. We spoke to frontman Joe Suicide about his history with glam rock, An American Tail and Michael Jackson.

What music were you really into when you were 12?
I was already into hard rock, glam and heavy metal. I had all the cassettes, videos, magazines, books, posters, patches and T-shirts of my favourite bands like Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue and Skid Row.

What was the first music video you recall watching that fascinated you?
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. I think I was about five or six. Those zombies scared the hell out of me, yet I was fascinated at the same time!

Who was your first music celebrity crush?
Hmm, Madonna? She definitely raised more than eyebrows back in the day-if you get what I mean!

What's the coolest music video you've seen on YouTube lately?
'Wine In My Hand (Third From The Sun)' by Celtic Frost. They just don't make videos like they used to!

What's the most depressing song you know?
'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails. Or 'Somewhere Out There' from the cartoon film An American Tail. God, what an absolute downer!

What is your most musical prized possession?
My God-given talent and ability to perform the Devil's music-I sold my soul for rock 'n' roll!

What five songs can you sing by heart?
All the songs off Suicide Solution's new album Shake Well Before Abuse. That makes ten!

What was the "it" song for you when you were in high school/college?
I'm more of an "album" or "band" kind of person. I'd run out and buy all the CDs! Any metal album with a "Parental Advisory" sticker on the cover was like, a seal of approval for me!

Is there a song you wish you wrote and why?
'Hotel California' by The Eagles. Just think of the royalties they must be getting! Apparently if you played the song in reverse, there is a hidden, satanic, subliminal message. A pastor once told me that and I'm like, what the hell, it's my grandma's favourite song!

WORDS CHRIS PHOTO SUICIDE SOLUTION
www.myspace.com/suicidesolution

*Taken from Junk's August 2009 issue.

Suicide Solution will be playing Baybeats 2009 on Day 2 of the festival, 29 August 2009.